On this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome Taylor Hutton, the pen name for writing duo Julie Buxbaum and Adele Griffin, to discuss their new novel Strike And Burn, a breathless romantic thriller that doesn't just toe the line between danger and desire—it burns it to the ground. When a book starts with a “meet cute” in a morgue, you know it’s going to be something unique!

We chat with Julie and Adele about how their project evolved from a secretive writing endeavor into a published book, the magic of co-writing, and the importance of maintaining joy in their work. We also talk about themes of trauma, female desire, justice and how they play out through complex character development. The fun Julie and Adele had writing this book is infectious and clearly comes through in the pages of their novel.

Strike and Burn is out now. Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat wherever you get your podcasts.